SB-0941, As Passed Senate, May 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBSTITUTE FOR

 

SENATE BILL NO. 941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     A bill to amend 1979 PA 94, entitled

 

"The state school aid act of 1979,"

 

by amending section 2 (MCL 388.1602), as amended by 2011 PA 62, and

 

by adding article V.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

 

     Sec. 2. As used in this article, and article IV, and article

 

V, the words and phrases defined in sections 3 to 6 have the

 

meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

 

ARTICLE V

 

     Sec. 297. (1) For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018,

 

there is appropriated for the public schools of this state and

 

certain other state purposes relating to education the sum of

 

$100,000,000.00 from the talent investment fund created under

 

section 8a of the higher education loan authority act, 1975 PA 222,

 


MCL 390.1158a.

 

     (2) The funds appropriated under this section for 2017-2018

 

are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for

 

2017-2018 are carried forward into 2018-2019. The purpose of the

 

work project is to improve this state's talent pool by training

 

citizens for high-demand career fields, providing educational

 

supports, expanding career exploration opportunities, and

 

supporting innovative teachers and curriculum. The estimated

 

completion date of the work project is September 30, 2022.

 

     (3) Grants awarded under this article with funds appropriated

 

under this section are subject to section 297j.

 

     (4) This article shall be known and may be cited as the

 

"Marshall Plan for Talent".

 

     Sec. 297a. (1) From the appropriation in section 297, there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $36,485,000.00 for

 

the expansion of K-12 education programs that focus on creating

 

competencies and earning credentials in high-demand fields.

 

     (2) Subject to section 297k, from the allocation in subsection

 

(1), there is allocated an amount not to exceed $29,935,000.00 for

 

competitive grants to districts and intermediate districts that are

 

members of and apply on behalf of a talent consortium, in a form

 

and manner prescribed by the department under section 297i for the

 

purpose of expanding or creating pupil experiences that result in

 

competencies or credentials, or both, in high-demand fields.

 

     (3) Funds received under this section shall be used by members

 

of the talent consortium for any of the following:

 

     (a) Stipends for industry mentors to assist in teaching


classes in high-demand fields.

 

     (b) Testing or project fees on behalf of pupils for the

 

purpose of earning credentials in high-demand fields.

 

     (c) Professional development for teachers who improve their

 

capacity to teach high-demand skills. Grants awarded for this

 

purpose shall not exceed $5,000.00 per teacher.

 

     (d) The hiring of full-time staff to create or expand a

 

program in a high-demand field. In order to use funds for this

 

purpose, the applicant must commit to continuing to provide the

 

program for at least an additional 3 years following the final

 

disbursement of funds. The total amount of grants awarded for the

 

purpose under this subdivision must not exceed $7,000,000.00. An

 

applicant shall not receive more than 1 grant for the purposes

 

under this subdivision.

 

     (e) The creation of new curriculum, which may include, but is

 

not limited to, professional development, materials, lesson plans,

 

pupil projects, and other items needed in a high-demand field that

 

lacks sufficient curricula, as determined by the department. A

 

curriculum created using funds allocated under this section must

 

meet all of the following:

 

     (i) Is made open-source to other districts across this state,

 

to the extent practicable.

 

     (ii) Is developed with the direct and meaningful input of at

 

least 1 employer who is party to a talent consortium.

 

     (iii) Utilizes the principles of competency-based learning.

 

     (f) Fees and costs associated with participation in

 

cybersecurity programs, including, but not limited to, the


governor's high school challenge, the national youth cyber defense

 

competition, the cyber security for automotive challenge (cyberauto

 

challenge), and the cyberpatriot competition.

 

     (g) To assist certificated teachers to earn new endorsements

 

in areas of high-demand critical shortage through a competency-

 

based residency model. Grants awarded for the purposes under this

 

subdivision must not exceed $8,000.00 per teacher and must be used

 

to pay the costs of a teacher's participation in a teacher

 

preparation program that collaborates with the department to

 

develop endorsement programs that cost no more than $8,000.00 for a

 

teacher or a district and that assess a teacher's mastery of

 

standards in a competency-based model.

 

     (4) At least $2,000,000.00 of the funds appropriated under

 

subsection (1) must be used for competitive grants to districts

 

that are members of a talent consortium and that seek to convert an

 

entire school or district to a competency-based learning model.

 

Applications under this section must include all of the following:

 

     (a) An educational model that allows the use of multiple and

 

innovative methods to determine pupils' achievement of grade-level

 

competencies and credit under the Michigan merit curriculum.

 

     (b) Curriculum that allows for a majority of instructional

 

time to be spent on pupil-driven projects that target academic

 

skills and assist pupils in achieving 21st century skills such as

 

leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and communication.

 

     (c) An innovative partnership with employers or institutes of

 

higher education, or both, to provide contextualized learning

 

opportunities that emphasize attainment of competencies that


include application and creation of knowledge, along with the

 

development of work-ready skills.

 

     (d) A plan for the transition away from a grade-level system

 

of pupil promotion to a competency-based system of pupil promotion.

 

This plan must include messaging to parents describing the benefits

 

of, and steps taken to implement, a competency-based instructional

 

model.

 

     (e) A plan for a scope and timeline of professional

 

development for school instructional and administrative staff.

 

     (f) A commitment to maintain participation in statewide

 

assessment and accountability systems for pupils being served by

 

programs funded under this section.

 

     (g) A description of how the applicant will be an ambassador

 

for competency-based learning, including a commitment to mentor

 

other districts that wish to convert to a competency-based

 

instructional model.

 

     (5) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated

 

for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $1,100,000.00 to the

 

department of technology, management, and budget to support

 

critical cybersecurity training and infrastructure programs, as

 

approved by this state's information technology governance council.

 

Funding allocated under this subsection must be used to expand the

 

Michigan high school cyber challenge program, as approved by the

 

department of technology, management, and budget. The expansion

 

must include, but is not limited to, both of the following:

 

     (a) An open professional credentialing or micro-credentialing

 

process, or both, for any pupil in grades 9 to 12 who demonstrates


mastery of industry-recognized cybersecurity skills.

 

     (b) Collaboration with other cybersecurity programs to ensure

 

alignment of coach, mentor, and educator skills.

 

     (6) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated

 

for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $450,000.00 to the department

 

for statewide supports for competency-based learning, including,

 

but not limited to, the necessary capacity-building infrastructure,

 

tools, transcripts, and reporting mechanisms to support the

 

implementation of competency-based education models in districts

 

and consortia of districts receiving funding under subsection (4)

 

with the goal of offering these tools statewide.

 

     (7) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is

 

allocated an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 to the department

 

for providing technical assistance to districts to help districts

 

integrate the Michigan merit curriculum into competency-based

 

programs, including career and technical education programs.

 

     (8) An application for a grant under subsection (2) must

 

include a commitment to adopt the principles of a competency-based

 

instructional model.

 

     (9) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00 for

 

an innovative educator program. Funds shall be used to support

 

educators who possess specialized skills and use those skills to

 

deploy innovative instructional programs for the purposes of

 

replication, expansion, and dissemination across this state. All of

 

the following apply to the innovative educator program:

 

     (a) Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, the department


shall develop a process for selecting innovative educators under

 

this section.

 

     (b) The governing body of each district may nominate 1

 

educator to the intermediate district in which the district is

 

located for appointment to the innovative educator corps, according

 

to the timelines established by the department. An individual must

 

meet all of the following to be nominated under this subdivision:

 

     (i) Have demonstrated documented pupil academic achievement in

 

the innovative program or the creation of pupil talent portfolios

 

in high-demand fields.

 

     (ii) Be recommended by, at least, peers, pupils,

 

administrators, parents, and local community partners.

 

     (iii) Have demonstrated successful implementation of

 

innovative instructional methodology in preparing pupils for 21st

 

century careers.

 

     (iv) Exemplify the passion, energy, and professionalism of the

 

teaching profession.

 

     (c) Not later than December 1 of each year, depending on

 

availability of funds, the department shall review the nominations

 

submitted under subdivision (b) and select up to 100 educators from

 

the submitted nominations for appointment to the innovative

 

educator corps for a term of 3 years. The department shall select

 

educators based on at least both of the following criteria:

 

     (i) Preference for educators with demonstrated community,

 

higher education, or business partnerships.

 

     (ii) Preference for educators who utilize a competency-based

 

instructional model, utilize a project-based instructional model,


have had success in the turnaround of a low-performing school, or

 

have had success in a balanced or year-round calendar.

 

     (d) If sufficient funding is available, each of the educators

 

selected by the department to serve in the innovative educator

 

corps under subdivision (c) shall receive a stipend in the amount

 

of $5,000.00 per year for up to 3 years. At least 1 time per year,

 

the department shall review the qualification of educators to

 

ensure the eligibility requirements, and other requirements

 

established by the department, are still being met. If sufficient

 

funding is available, an additional $5,000.00 per educator will be

 

awarded annually to the intermediate district for purposes of

 

replication, expansion, and dissemination of the innovative

 

strategies and program. The selected educator shall develop a plan

 

with the intermediate district that details how the funds will be

 

spent to support the duties of the selected educator under this

 

subsection. These funds may be used to cover costs, including, but

 

not limited to, the following:

 

     (i) Pupil and educator travel.

 

     (ii) Substitute educators.

 

     (iii) Program materials.

 

     (iv) Training materials.

 

     (v) Pupil supplies and materials.

 

     (10) The superintendent of public instruction shall promulgate

 

rules to implement this section.

 

     Sec. 297b. (1) From the appropriation in section 297, there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $18,500,000.00 for

 

competitive grants to districts and intermediate districts for the


talent equipment program described in this section. Grants awarded

 

under this section are subject to section 297k.

 

     (2) A district or intermediate district that is a member of a

 

talent consortium is eligible to apply for a grant under this

 

section, in a form and manner prescribed by the department under

 

section 297i.

 

     (3) Grant funds awarded under this section must be used to

 

purchase or lease equipment for use in educational programs that

 

build a more qualified and skilled workforce in emerging and high-

 

demand fields and result in competencies or credentials in those

 

fields.

 

     (4) An application for a grant under this section must include

 

a commitment to provide matching funds of at least 25% of the

 

amount of the grant award and include a description of how the

 

proposed capital infrastructure initiative will align with the

 

talent agreement defined in section 297h and provide increased

 

career opportunities for pupils and adult learners in high-demand

 

fields. Matching funds required under this subsection may be in-

 

kind.

 

     Sec. 297c. (1) From the appropriation in section 297, there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $25,500,000.00 for

 

the Michigan talent pledge scholarship program administered by the

 

department of treasury.

 

     (2) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated

 

for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $20,000,000.00 to be used for

 

the purpose of assisting low-income individuals with the cost of

 

obtaining a qualifying degree or credential in high-demand fields.


The funds must be used to fund scholarships and stipends for 3

 

cohorts of eligible individuals over 4 years. Awards shall be in

 

the following amounts:

 

     (a) $750.00 scholarship award for individuals enrolled in an

 

eligible program that leads to a 1-year credential, in addition to

 

a $250.00 stipend paid to the individual.

 

     (b) $500.00 scholarship award each year for 2 years for

 

individuals enrolled in an eligible program that leads to a 2-year

 

credential, in addition to a $250.00 stipend each year paid to the

 

individual.

 

     (3) To be eligible for a scholarship grant under this section,

 

an individual shall meet all of the following:

 

     (a) Except for an individual under the age of 18, possess a

 

high school diploma, recognized equivalency, or recognized

 

equivalency certificate.

 

     (b) Be a resident of this state and a citizen of the United

 

States of America.

 

     (c) File the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA),

 

annually.

 

     (d) Meet the same income qualification requirements as the

 

Healthy Michigan plan under section 107 of the social welfare act,

 

1939 PA 280, MCL 400.107, at the time of application.

 

     (e) Be enrolled full-time in a qualifying program at an

 

eligible postsecondary institution.

 

     (f) Apply for a grant in a form and manner prescribed by the

 

department of treasury.

 

     (g) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5,


if the institution utilizes a standard grading model, or, if the

 

institution utilizes a competency-based grading model during his or

 

her time enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution, make

 

sufficient progress through the curriculum to complete the program.

 

     (h) Is between the ages of 16 and 45 at the time of

 

application.

 

     (4) A postsecondary institution is eligible under this section

 

if the postsecondary institution is a public or private nonprofit

 

college or university, junior college, community college, or

 

private training provider that grants degrees or certificates and

 

is located in this state and provides proof, in a form and manner

 

prescribed by the department of treasury, in cooperation with the

 

department of talent and economic development, that it has

 

implemented a talent guarantee for the relevant qualifying program

 

under subsection (5). For the purposes of this subsection, "talent

 

guarantee" means a process by which the institution will provide

 

relevant training in the relevant field at no cost to a graduate

 

who successfully completes a qualifying program under subsection

 

(5), if the graduate is unable to find or keep a job in the

 

relevant field at a relevant level due to a lack of technical

 

skills. Institutions are encouraged to work with their local

 

Michigan works agencies to implement this guarantee.

 

     (5) A program must meet all of the following to be a

 

qualifying program under this section:

 

     (a) Completion of the program must result in a credential in a

 

qualifying high-demand field.

 

       (b) The program is intended to be completed in no more than 1


year for an award under subsection (2)(a), or no more than 2 years

 

for an award under subsection (2)(b).

 

     (c) The program utilizes a competency-based instructional

 

model.

 

     (6) The department of treasury shall develop an application

 

and eligibility determination process that will provide the highest

 

level of participation and ensure that all requirements of the

 

program are met.

 

     (7) The department of treasury shall provide payment on behalf

 

of an individual eligible under subsection (3) for the scholarship

 

award amounts described in subsection (2)(a) and (b). The

 

department of treasury shall reimburse the eligible postsecondary

 

institution no later than 30 days after the start of the fiscal

 

year. Subject to subsection (8), the department of treasury shall

 

only accept standard per-credit hour tuition billings and shall

 

reject billings that are excessive or outside of the guidelines for

 

the type of educational institution. For the stipend amounts under

 

subsection (2)(a) and (b), the department of treasury shall

 

collaborate with eligible postsecondary institutions to ensure that

 

a prorated amount of the stipend is forwarded to the student

 

following each regular meeting with a coach, mentor, or counselor

 

as an incentive for the student to meet with the coach, mentor, or

 

counselor.

 

     (8) For the department of treasury to pay a scholarship award

 

on behalf of an individual eligible under subsection (3), at least

 

1 of the following must apply:

 

     (a) For individuals enrolled at a community college in this


state, the individual is charged the current in-district tuition

 

and mandatory fees.

 

     (b) For individuals enrolled at a public university in this

 

state, the individual is charged the lower division resident

 

tuition and mandatory fees for the current year.

 

     (c) For individuals enrolled at an independent, nonprofit

 

degree-granting college or university in this state or a federal

 

tribally controlled community college in this state, the mandatory

 

fees and per-credit payment charged to the individual do not exceed

 

the average community college in-district per-credit tuition rate

 

as reported on August 1 of the immediately preceding academic year.

 

     (9) The department of treasury shall collaborate with the

 

center to use the P-20 longitudinal data system to report the

 

number of students who are engaged in and have completed a program

 

using an award granted under this section.

 

     (10) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $2,440,000.00 for

 

grants to community colleges, universities, or private nonprofit

 

colleges for the purpose of providing coaches to students who

 

receive scholarship awards under this section. The coaches funded

 

under this subsection shall provide intense mentoring and advising

 

to recipients of scholarships under this section, focusing on

 

ensuring that students complete programs for which they receive

 

scholarships under this section. Grants awarded under this

 

subsection must be made to eligible postsecondary institutions in

 

the amount not to exceed $40,000.00 per coach.

 

     (11) From the funds allocated under subsection (1), there is


an amount allocated for 2017-2018 not to exceed $2,300,000.00 to be

 

used for grants to districts for stipends for students and bonus

 

payments to districts that are parties to a talent consortium and

 

whose students successfully earn an in-demand workforce certificate

 

in a high-demand field. For the purposes of funding under this

 

subsection, a workforce certificate must, as determined by the

 

department of talent and economic development, be entry-level or

 

above, recognized by statewide industry, and in a high-demand,

 

high-salary, high-upward mobility career. Grants awarded under this

 

subsection must be in the amount of $500.00 per student who

 

successfully completes an in-demand credential in a high-demand

 

field in calendar year 2019 or 2020. A grant awarded under this

 

subsection shall be distributed in an amount of $250.00 to the

 

student and in an amount of $250.00 to the district. A district

 

seeking a grant under this subsection shall apply in a form and

 

manner prescribed by the department of treasury. An application for

 

a grant under this subsection must describe the credentials that

 

students will earn using funds awarded under this subsection. The

 

department of treasury shall work with the department of talent and

 

economic development to award grants under this subsection and

 

notify applicants of the decision to award a grant not later than

 

30 days after receiving an application.

 

     (12) The following do not qualify as in-demand credentials in

 

a high-demand field for the purposes of subsection (11):

 

     (a) A high school diploma or equivalent.

 

     (b) An advanced placement test other than physics c:

 

electricity and magnetism, physics c: mechanics, computer science


a, or computer science principles.

 

     (13) From the funds allocated in subsection (1), there is an

 

amount allocated not to exceed $760,000.00 to the department of

 

treasury for costs related to the administration of this section.

 

     Sec. 297d. (1) From the appropriation in section 297, there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $14,500,000.00 for

 

competitive grants to districts and intermediate districts that are

 

members of a talent consortium for the Michigan career development

 

navigator program to increase the number of college- and career-

 

ready pupils with an emphasis on increasing the number of citizens

 

working in high-demand fields. A district or intermediate district

 

that is a member of a talent consortium is eligible to apply for a

 

grant under this section, in a form and manner prescribed by the

 

department under section 297i. Grants awarded under this section

 

are subject to section 297k.

 

     (2) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated

 

for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $10,500,000.00 for

 

competitive grants to districts and intermediate districts that are

 

members of a talent consortium to hire additional staff for the

 

purposes described in this section. Staff hired with grant funds

 

awarded under this subsection shall commit to remain in the

 

position for at least 2 years after the end of the 3-year grant

 

period. Grant funds awarded under this section must not be used to

 

supplant existing counseling services within a district or

 

intermediate district.

 

     (3) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated

 

to the department of talent and economic development for 2017-2018


an amount not to exceed $4,000,000.00 for the expansion of a web-

 

based career preparation platform.

 

     (4) A recipient of a grant under this section shall use staff

 

hired with funds under this section for career counseling

 

activities such as the creation of robust education development

 

plans, the creation of talent portfolios for pupils, identifying

 

work-based learning opportunities, and identifying career

 

exploration activities such as internships, apprenticeships, and

 

job shadows.

 

     Sec. 297e. (1) From the appropriation in section 297, there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $3,515,000.00 to

 

the department of talent and economic development for a statewide

 

talent marketing strategy.

 

     (2) From the allocation in subsection (1), there is allocated

 

for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $2,765,000.00 for a talent

 

marketing campaign designed to increase the number of individuals

 

in this state entering high-demand fields, recruit new and

 

experienced professionals in high-demand fields to this state, and

 

retain current graduates in high-demand fields.

 

     (3) From the allocation under subsection (1), there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $750,000.00 for an

 

expansion of the existing Going pro campaign.

 

     Sec. 297g. From the allocation in section 297, there is

 

allocated for 2017-2018 an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 to

 

the department for costs associated with the administration of this

 

article.

 

     Sec. 297h. As used in this article:


     (a) "Competency-based education" and "competency-based

 

instructional model" mean an approach to teaching and pupil

 

learning where pupils are evaluated on individual competencies, and

 

only when they master them, they move on to more advanced

 

competencies. For the purposes of this article, competency-based

 

instructional programs must meet at least all of the following:

 

     (i) The majority of instructional time is spent on pupil-

 

driven projects in multiple subject areas as well as 21st century

 

skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and

 

communication. Instructional time may take place outside of the

 

traditional school calendar.

 

     (ii) Includes an innovative partnership with employers or

 

postsecondary institutions, or both, as appropriate, to provide

 

contextualized learning opportunities that emphasize attainment of

 

competencies that include application and creation of knowledge

 

along with the development of work-ready skills.

 

     (iii) Includes the use of multiple and innovative methods to

 

determine pupil achievement of competencies in a subject area or

 

combined subject areas such as public presentations, submission of

 

research papers, attaining marketable workforce credentials, and

 

mentoring other pupils.

 

     (b) "Credential" means proof of competency in a high-demand,

 

high-salary, and high-upward mobility field or any other

 

designation determined to be in high demand by the Michigan's

 

future talent council. A credential must be stackable, which means

 

that it can lead to a more advanced recognized credential. A high

 

school diploma is not a credential.


     (c) "High-demand field" means professional trades,

 

manufacturing, engineering, information technology, machine

 

learning and artificial intelligence, mobility, health care, and

 

business.

 

     (d) "Talent agreement" means an agreement that is signed by

 

the members of a talent consortium and is approved by the

 

department of talent and economic development and the department. A

 

talent agreement must include at least all of the following:

 

     (i) A description of how the members will create a seamless,

 

competency-based education model that results in pupils acquiring

 

high-demand skills and credentials.

 

     (ii) A formalized process by which the talent consortium will

 

periodically review and update employer needs and which skills and

 

credentials are in demand, including, but not limited to, a 2-, 5-,

 

and 20-year talent skills projection.

 

     (iii) A detailed plan on how curriculum and instruction will

 

be changed to address the changing employer and talent skills

 

needs.

 

     (iv) If a postsecondary institution is a member of a talent

 

consortium, how the postsecondary institution will reduce barriers

 

as pupils transition through phases of their education from K-12

 

education to postsecondary education and into the workforce. These

 

efforts may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

     (A) Dual enrollment practices.

 

     (B) The acceptance of talent portfolios for college

 

admissions.

 

     (C) Work-based learning and internships.


Senate Bill No. 941 as amended May 30, 2018

 

     (D) The creation of career pathways beginning in middle school

 

and high school.

 

     (E) In-classroom mentoring or career counseling.

 

     (F) Prehiring agreements in which employers promise to hire

 

graduates of a program.

 

     (v) How any grant dollars received will further the goals of

 

the consortium.

 

     (vi) How members will continue to collaborate after a grant is

 

awarded.

 

     (e) "Talent consortium" means a consortium of entities that

 

enter into a talent agreement for the purposes of funding under

 

this article. A talent consortium must include at least 1 district

 

or intermediate district and at least 2 employers or organizations

 

representing employers. However, a talent consortium with only 1

 

district that is a tier 3 district is not required to include more

 

than 1 employer or organization representing employers. A talent

 

consortium may include community colleges, colleges, or

 

universities.

 

     (f) "Tier 1 district" means a district with a pupil membership

 

in 2017-2018 of at least 3,800.

 

     (g) "Tier 2 district" means a district with a pupil membership

 

in 2017-2018 of at least 1,400 but less than 3,800.

 

     (h) "Tier 3 district" means a district with a pupil membership

 

in 2017-2018 of less than 1,400.

 

     Sec. 297i. (1) The department<<, in consultation with the

department of talent and economic development,>> shall develop a consolidated

grant application for grants under sections 297a, 297b, and 297d.

 

The department<<, in consultation with the department of talent and

economic development,>> may develop additional consolidated applications for


Senate Bill No. 941 as amended May 30, 2018

 

grants under this article. A consolidated application developed

 

under this subsection must require an applicant to identify the

 

grant or grants for which the applicant is applying and the amount

 

of the award the applicant is requesting for each grant.

 

     (2) The department shall begin accepting consolidated

 

applications for grants under this article not later than March 31,

 

2019.

 

     (3) Not later than June 1, 2019, the department<<, in consultation

with the department of talent and economic development,>> shall award at

least 50% of the funds allocated under sections 297a, 297b, and

 

297d.

 

     Sec. 297j. (1) A tier 1 district may apply for grant funding

 

under this article in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00. A tier 2

 

district may apply for grant funding under this article in an

 

amount not to exceed $300,000.00. A tier 3 district may apply for

 

grant funding under this article in an amount not to exceed

 

$200,000.00.

 

     (2) A district may apply for a grant under this article with 1

 

or more other districts. The sum of the pupil memberships of the

 

districts applying for a combined grant must be used to determine

 

the tier level for grant allocation, and each district in the

 

combined grant application is eligible for that tier amount.

 

     (3) An intermediate district may apply for a grant under this

 

article for its own program, or on behalf of 1 or more of its

 

constituent districts. If an intermediate district applies for a

 

grant under this article on behalf of 1 or more of its constituent

 

districts, the sum of the pupil memberships of the constituent

 

districts in the grant application shall determine the tier level


for grant allocation for each constituent district included in the

 

application. An intermediate district that applies for a grant for

 

its own program is considered a tier 1 district.

 

     Sec. 297k. The department shall ensure that grants awarded

 

under sections 297a, 297b, and 297d are awarded as follows:

 

     (a) 50% to tier 1 districts.

 

     (b) 30% to tier 2 districts.

 

     (c) 20% to tier 3 districts.

 

     Sec. 297l. Each recipient of a grant under this article shall

 

provide a report to the department not later than June 30, 2020

 

that identifies the amount of the grant received, how the grant was

 

spent, the number of pupils reached with grant funds, and other

 

information as required by the department.

 

     Enacting section 1. In accordance with section 30 of article

 

IX of the state constitution of 1963, total state spending from

 

state sources on state school aid under article V of the state

 

school aid act of 1979, 1979 PA 94, MCL 388.1897 to 388.1897n, as

 

added by this amendatory act for fiscal year 2017-2018 is estimated

 

at $100,000,000.00 and state appropriations for school aid to be

 

paid to local units of government for fiscal year 2017-2018 are

 

estimated at $61,235,000.00.